Featured Frames

This page showcases some of the more interesting frames on my website – they will also be found in their own category… So you can also simply search under the different categories.

All our categories can be found in the sub-menu below – clicking on the category you want look at will get you directly to that page.

PLEASE NOTE: I measure all British, American and Japanese frames in inches ctt (centre to top) and convert to the nearest cm, conversely I measure all European and Italian frames in centimetres ctc (centre to centre) and convert to the nearest 0.25in.
A problem with all frames measured ctt is that the top measuring point varies from maker to maker and I try and second guess where the maker intended his measurement to be to – some mean top of top top tube, others the very top of the seat lug, and others to the seat lug top line…

FRAME SIZING
Do not assume that you will need a frame sized the same as your modern one – either seat tube or top tube. Fashion plays a great part in frame design and sizing. In the early years of the 20th century frames were sized as large as possible with virtually no seatpost showing … by contrast riders were advised in the 1920s to have as small a frame as possible.
Race/road frames from the 1920s/early 1930s will generally be sized about 3–5cm smaller than a modern frame but with a much longer top tube and shorter stems. Towards the end of the 1930s larger frame sizes became fashionable – up to 2cm larger than a modern frame. Top tube lengths were still longer used with shorter stems. In the 1940s and 50s frames were sized a bit larger still – 3–4cm more than a modern frame still with longer top tubes and shorter stems. In the 1960s and 1970s frames gradually reduced in size until the late 1980s. At the same time top tubes began to get shorter and stems longer.

RALEIGH SERVICE DES COURSES TRACK FRAME 1988 21.25in Reynolds 753 ex Chris Lillywhite
Seat Tube (ctt): 21.25in (55cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 21.25in (55cm)
Rear dropout width: 120mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with brake drop of 42mm
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frame tubing: Reynolds 753
The Raleigh SBDU workshop (SBDU) was established in late 1974 under the direction of Gerald O’Donovan. Frames were built for the Ti-Raleigh continental pro team from the very beginning. And the unit worked with Reynolds in developing Reynolds 753 and the first frames were tested by the Ti-Raleigh team in 1974. The SBDU was quite an unusual operation for such a large company with a modest production capacity – at a maximum only about 1000 frames or so a year from about four framebuilders. The unit moved to Nottingham in 1987 and this frame was probably built at the end of 1987 for the 1988 season. It was built for Chris Lillywhite a very successful domestic pro rider who amongst other successes won the Milk Race and for 1988 and 1989 rode for Raleigh Team Banana. Its numbered CL188 and SB8896… The white paint is original and generally in good condition. I would myself just add Raleigh decals back on it… £695

EDDY MERCKX TT LO-PRO FRAME 1996 ex Chris Boardman Atlanta Olympic Games
Seat Tube (ctc): 48cm (19in), 62cm (24.5in) ctc
Top Tube (ctc): 56cm (22in)
Rear dropout width: 130mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C
Frame tubing: Not known
Seatpost size: Custom aero
This frame is unique – it is very similar to the one that Chris Boardman rode to win the Bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta – it is not the same – I think judging by the marking on the top tube I think it post dates the Olympic Games frame – it is marked with the distance he took the hour record in September 1986 just after the Olympics. He rode and won the GP des Nations soon after in October and I would guess its what rde then but have not been able to find a pic of him riding in that on the internet. Its in very sound condition with no issues – the seatpost moves with no problem but there are no forks… So special… £795

DE ROSA LO-PRO TIME TRIAL FRAME 1994–5 ex TEAM GEWISS-BALLAN Piot Ugrumov
Seat Tube (ctc): 51cm (20in), 55cm (21.5in) ctc
Top Tube (ctc): 54cm (21.25in)
Rear dropout width: 130mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with brake drop of 48mm
Frame tubing: Columbus Genius
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
This frame was Piotr Ugrumov’s TT frame when was riding for Gewiss-Ballan during the 1994 and 1995 seasons – he was second overall in the 1994 Tour de France and 3rd overall in the 1995 Giro D’Italia. This frame is tig welded from Columbus Genius tubing which has been ovalised… Its in very sound condition though the paint is pretty poor… Really special history… £795

LES EPHGRAVE NO 1 ROAD FRAME c1953 21.5in
Seat Tube (ctt): 21.5in (55cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 22.25in (56.5cm )
Rear dropout width: 115mm
Wheel size: 27s or Sprints/700C with brake drop of 58mm
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted
Les Ephgrave was and still is very well known for the fancy lugged frames built in his works in East London. He built frames both under his own name and for some shops in north and east London. Les Ephgrave was without doubt one of the high priests of frames with ornate lugs; his No1 lug design was the most popular in his range. This lug design was beautifully balanced and very kind to the eye most times – this is undoubtedly one of the really nice ones. There’s lots on Ephgrave at http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/ephgrave-builders.html
This stunning frame is in excellent condition and has just been repainted at Argos Cycles. £645

TELEDYNE TITAN ROAD FRAME 1970s 22in Titanium
Seat Tube (ctt): 22in (56cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 22in (56cm)
Rear dropout width: 122mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with a brake drop of 53mm
Frame tubing: CP Titanium
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
The Teledyne Titan was the idea of an expatriate Englishman Barry Harvey, though manufactured in California, USA. He formed a company to develop titanium frames but with a lack of capital development work was very slow. He eventually approached Teledyne Linair, a specialist company producing titanium assemblies for the aircraft industry who fortuitously were looking for other applications for titanium. Top and down tube diameters were increased to 1 1/8in and 1 1/4in diameters respectively and wall thicknesses were slightly up compered to a standard steel tubed frame. One rather curious feature of the production frame was how the down tube was necked down to accept standard diameter down tube lever clip and down tube cable guides. This frame is in excellent condition – there are no cracks or dents. £595

DOSSCHE SPORT TRACK FRAME 54cm 1950s
Seat Tube (ctc): 54cm (21.25in)
Top Tube (ctc): 56cm (22in)
Rear dropout width: 115mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with a brake drop of 42mm
Frame tubing: Not known
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Dossche Sport are – were a very well respected Belgian framebuilder… This track frame with Nervex Pro lugs and Bastide type fork crown is exquisitely built. – just take a look at the very clean brazing and filework. This frame is in really nice condition – there’s one tiny ding to the top tube but its very hard to see…It has the steep angles and tight clearances found on most Belgian track frames – their tracks are normally short and steeply banked… £295

MAXI SPORTS TRACK FRAME 1993 Team Castorama ridden by Jacky Durand
Seat Tube (ctc): 57cm (22.5in)
Top Tube (ctc): 60cm (23.75in)
Rear dropout width: 120mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Jacky Durand was a French professional rider who was best known in later years for his solo breakaways on Tour de France stages. This track frame from 1993 and when he was riding for Castorama under Cyrille Guimard is truly exquisite with the most incredibly tight clearances – it won’t take 23mm tyres – its pictured on 22mm tyres. Absolutely superb. £575

GLORIA ROAD FRAME 54cm 1937
Seat Tube (ctc): 54cm (21.25in)
Top Tube (ctc): 56.5cm (22.25in)
Rear dropout width: 117mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with a brake drop of 48mm
Frame tubing: Not known
BB threads: Italian
Seatpost size: 26.2mm
This Gloria road frame was built for an Italian professional rider in 1937 for use originally with a Vittoria Margherita gear – he later had the rear dropouts replaced with ones suitable for a Campagnolo Corsa gear… It comes complete with an excellent Campagnolo Corsa gear and set of wheels… £2250

DILECTA ROAD FRAME 56cm Early 1950s Ex-Team
Seat Tube (ctc): 56cm (22in)
Top Tube (ctc): 56cm (22in)
Rear dropout width: 120mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with a brake drop of 62mm
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted
Headset and BB threads: French
Seatpost size: 26.6mm
Dilecta were an old established French medium sized bike manufacturer – in the 1920s, 40s, 50s and in the mid 60s had pro bike teams. This frame which I think dates to 1953 is I am certain an ex-team frame – you can see a picture here of François Mahé in 1953 aboard a very similar frame … it’s even the same size I think. There’s a discussion on the Dilecta race bikes: http://forum.tontonvelo.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=12664
The frame is very sound but obviously needs repainting and rechroming. But there is a small dent on the underside of of the down tube which will not affect the strength and is easily filled when the frame is painted. Original specification would have included Simplex Juy 51 rear gear, Simplex rod operated TDF front gear, Durax Special Course cranks, Philippe bars and stem, side-pull brakes – not Lam, maybe CLB?, Simplex hubs… All reasonably easily found. £345

HETCHINS COMPETITION 21in 1937
Seat Tube (ctt): 21in (53cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 21.5in (55cm)
Rear dropout width: 110mm
Wheel size: Sprints/700C with a brake drop of 55mm
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
This frame is one of the earliest Hetchins Competition frames and was the last frame built in 1937 – it was supplied on 26th January to F R Russell of Wolverhampton who was an established Hetchins dealer… It has Chater Lea bottom bracket threads – I can supply a suitable BB to fit at extra cost… It has been reasonably repainted and this is mostly unmarked.
A lot more can be found about Hetchins at www.hetchins.org Really a rather rare pre-war Hetchins… £595

GILLOTT FLEUR DE LIS TRACK FRAME 1954 23in
Seat Tube (ctt): 23in (58cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 22.5in (57cm)
Rear dropout width: 110mm
Wheel size: 700C/sprints with a brake drop of 46mm
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frame Tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted
Gillott frames are renowned for being built to consistently high standards – this was down to employing excellent framebuilders and Harry Carrington who was stickler for quality. More on Gillott can be found at: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/gillott.html
The Fleur de Lis was Gillott’s top model and is very beautiful. Though this frame has mudguard eyes it has very close clearances and quite steep frame angles so I think was built with track use mostly in mind. It has been beautifully restored at Argos Cycles in Bristol and not used much since. It has a few small marks and is ready to be built up. £695

COLNAGO MASTER PRO 44.5cm c1990 ** New Old Stock**
Seat Tube (ctc): 44.5cm (17.5in)
Top Tube (ctc): 47cm (18.5in)
Rear dropout width: 126mm
Wheel size: 24in sprints or 24in clinchers 521mm BSD
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frame tubing: Columbus
the Master Pro was one of Colnago’s top models and this is really very special – a small adult or children’s version with just a 44.5cm ctc seat tube and built for 24in wheels. It is new old stock and has never been built-up – the fork steerer has never even been cut to length. We can do this and fit a headset. Its in excellent almost unmarked condition with virtually no marks. It obviously was a special. Price on Application

F W EVANS TOURER 1939 21in
Seat Tube (ctt): 21in (53cm)
Top Tube (ctc): 23in (58cm)
Rear dropout width: 115mm
Wheel size: 26in
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531 double butted
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
This F W Evans touring frame was built in 1939 and is designed for use with a Cyclo 3spd Standard gear – it has the braze-on for the gear and tensioning spring on the chainstay. I will supply it with all the parts to complete the headset except the pinch bolt for the headclip. It has many of the special features unique to F W Evans frames – Direct Lubrication system for the bottom bracket and headset bearings and patented fork ends. Additionally it has braze-ons for a rear saddle bag support. F W Evans were very highly regarded by CTC members and many members had special touring frames made to order for them. More can be found on Evans at: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/designs/hsfwevans.html
It has been very nicely repainted in a dark green with box lining and will make a really great 1930s classic English tourer. £245

** SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE**R O HARRISON SHORTWIN 1949
Seat Tube (ctt): 22.5in (57cm), 21.5in (55cm) ctc
Top Tube (ctc): 23in (58cm)
Rear dropout width: 110mm
Wheel size: 27s or 700C/sprints with a brake drop of 57mm
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frame tubing: Reynolds 531 Butted Tubing
R O Harrison was a south London framebuilder who was one of Maurice Selbach’s framebuilders before he set up on his own around 1933. He had an excellent reputation. More details can be found at http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/harrison.html R O Harrison frames are very consistent in quality. The Shortwin model was introduced in 1949 – this frame must been one of the first for its dated as being January 1949. It has been repainted in what I would guess to be its original paint style. The paint is a little thick and in places some light pitting shows but I think once built up it would look very good… A really rare and desirable frame – there are only about half a dozen known survivors. £595

Figures above are good estimates, rates may vary for some countries.
Contact us for more info.

CLICK ON the sale images to see a much larger picture!

FRAME CONDITION Frames are supplied as seen in the pictures unless described otherwise in the text.
Please remember that these frames are generally at least twenty years old and sometimes seventy… In most cases I will know very little of their history but will attempt to describe any problems I can spot – if there are issues I have missed I will always work with the buyer to find a solution.
All frames I sell are in track and straight, with excellent headset threads, bottom bracket shell threads and gear hanger threads if fitted.
I will make every attempt to ascertain whether paint is original, an older repaint or a more recent repaint. Paint quality does vary quite bit…

These categories may be qualified by more detailed description in the text.

Excellent A very useable frame with no obtrusive marks to the paint and no dings or dents. Chrome if present will be free of serious marks unless stated otherwise.

Very Good Perfectly useable frame but with more marks to the paint and chrome if present. Some of the marks may benefit from careful retouching. Generally there will no dents or dings but if present will be small. However if you are concerned about dents/dings with frames in this category please ask me to do an extra check.

Sound Paint and chrome may need redoing depending on how you like your bikes – I appreciate frames with patina which show their age but others may want to repaint. There may be a small ding or two but nothing very significant – older frames often pick up smaller dents which are of no significance to their strength or life. Any more significant dents will be described in the text.

Needing repainting Paint will be poor and in my opinion is not saveable. There may be a small ding or two but nothing very significant – older frames often pick up smaller dents which are of no significance to their strength or life. If there are larger dents they will be described and/or pictured. These are all easily filled by a good framebuilder or frame painter at very little extra cost.

Headsets or bottom brackets fitted to frames are of unknown and unguaranteed condition unless specifically described in the text. Sometimes headsets or bottom brackets will not feel smooth and simply need a service and on other occasions the headset or bottom bracket will need replacing…
For frame without headsets or where you'd like a headset replaced I can offer a fitting service for £15. Please see the headset pages: http://hilarystone.com/headset.html for what is available but please bear in mind that you may need advice on whether a particular headset will fit your frame especially in relation to stack height.